HEALTHY EATING DURING FESTIVE SEASON FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS

By Cik Rashidah Abd Ghani

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The variety of savoury food like beef or
chicken rendang, satay, lemang, serunding and other home-cooked delicacies
served during the fasting month and upcoming Hari Raya season will tempt anyone
to over indulge.

However, these mouth watering delights can pose a dietary challenge to
anyone especially for those with diabetes, hypertension and Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) who have to comply with their modified diet.

While the fasting and Hari Raya season are filled with joy and seasonal
dishes, anyone with health problems or otherwise still have to keep up with
healthy eating.

With the healthcare issues for those with diabetes, hypertension and Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) in mind, a public healthcare forum on healthy eating during
the fasting month and Hari Raya was held here recently.

This special forum was conducted by Dr Lee Wan Tin, Consultant Nephrologist
at a private medical centre, who discussed developments in treating CKD while a
Clinical Dietitian at Sime Darby Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Nurul Aziah Musa,
taught the participants on practical ways to maintain their special dietary
needs during the festive season.


HEALTHIER EATING HABIT

This is what both of them have to say to the public.

Adhering to special dietary guidelines is of utmost importance, as Dr Lee
explained that diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of Chronic
Kidney Disease and can be controlled by adopting healthier eating habits.

In addition, a significant proportion of the patients with CKD suffer from
obesity and high lipid levels – conditions that are also manageable through
controlled diet.

In patients with CKD the kidney cannot dispose efficiently waste products
from the body, an ailment that could eventually prove fatal.

Careful supervision of blood pressure and a modified diet with lower protein
and sodium content can significantly alter the rate of progression of kidney
disease.

SEVERAL STEPS PRIOR TO FASTING

Dr Lee also stressed that people with diabetes, hypertension and CKD can
safeguard their health condition provided that they take several steps prior to
fasting.

Firstly, they need to adjust their medication accordingly and they need to
know when it is best to take their medication.

Secondly, they must consult their doctors regarding their medication dosage
to suit the fasting month.

Basically, patients of the three conditions need to get their medications to
last long enough for them to be able to fast. So, this will allow them to
continue fasting throughout the month.

If the patients of these three groups find that their condition is getting
out of control, they must seek professional help. Doctors will run tests and
provide medical advice to these patients.

USE ALTERNATIVES INGREDIENTS

According to Nurul, Malaysians tend indulge in foods that are high in salt,
sugar and fat during the festive season.

"Those with diabetes, hypertension and CKD need to be more aware of what
they are eating and moderation during this festive season is probably the best
solution.

"Certain measures that they can take include ensuring that home-cooked
versions of traditional festive fare are prepared using alternatives to certain
ingredients, like using more spices and less salt, keeping to the protein intake
prescribed by their dietitian and not over indulging," she said.

"In general there has to be a balanced diet, where you might take
your carbohydrate, you can take protein and minimum fat but everything should be
in moderation.

"So always include fruits and vegetables in the diet, because in general
fruits and vegetables contain fiber that helps to bring down the pressure and
control your sugar absorbtion," she said.

"After a long day of fasting, your blood sugar tends to be a little bit low
when breaking fast, so you can have it, no problem. Dates are recommended for
breaking fast, may be one or two serving," Nurul explained.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

General dietary guidelines for those with chronic kidney disease:

*Protein restriction: Decreasing protein intake may slow the progression of
chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can help you determine the appropriate
amount of protein for you.

*Salt restriction: Limit to 4–6 grams a day to avoid fluid retention and
help control high blood pressure.

*Potassium restriction: This is necessary because the kidneys are unable to
remove potassium. High levels of potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
Examples of foods high in potassium include bananas, dried fruits, oranges,
nuts, potatoes and some green vegetables.

Important for patients to remember that while public forums like this one
provide general guidance and education on the issue, when it comes to diet
there’s no one-size-fits-all. Therefore, CKD patients need to consult a
dietitian for tailored diet advice based on health condition.

-- BERNAMA